In recent months, cases of bus passengers having their valuables cut out of their pockets and bags have become increasingly common, with many uploading photos of their slashed clothing and wallets to social media as proof of the “razor thefts”. Yesterday, two of these bus bandits were arrested after getting caught in the act by a Hong Kong police officer.
At around 1:30pm, a plainclothes police officer from the West Kowloon Regional Intelligence Unit on patrol in Mong Kok spotted two suspicious-looking men. The officer followed the men, who boarded a bus on Public Square Street in Yau Ma Tei, HK01 reports.
As the bus approached Cherry Street, the officer saw one of the suspects cutting the pocket of a fellow bus passenger, a 57-year-old man, and removing his wallet. The officer revealed his identity and arrested both suspects, who were found carrying HKD7,100 in cash and 11 knives.
The suspects, both 43-year-old two-way permit holders from mainland China, were arrested for theft. Police suspect they may be connected to other razor thefts. The case is being followed up by police officers from Mong Kok District’s criminal investigation team.
